Litlington 1 Steeple Bumpstead Res 4 LITLINGTON went into this game brimming with confidence following wins against two promotion rivals in their last two games but they were brushed aside by a strong team who ran out deserved winners. The first 10 minute

Litlington 1 Steeple Bumpstead Res 4

LITLINGTON went into this game brimming with confidence following wins against two promotion rivals in their last two games but they were brushed aside by a strong team who ran out deserved winners.

The first 10 minutes were cagey with few chances being created by either team and it was Bumpstead who were the first to settle when they began to use the width of the pitch to stretch the Litlington defence and create space for their two strikers.

However Litlington stood firm with Craig Ellis and man-of-the-match Shaun Boote stifling each attack which came their way early on.

The good defensive performance wasn't able to hold out forever though, and Bumpstead finally took the lead during the first half with a well taken strike.

Litlington thought they were on level terms soon after when James Evans scored not long after the restart only for the referee to disallow the goal for a harshly judged offside decision.

At half time Litlington were forced into a change when player-manager Ashley Hawkins was forced off with a groin strain and Stephen Cook entered the fray for only his third game for Litlington.

The substitute almost scored minutes after the restart when his 40-yard drive brushed the top of the crossbar and looking for the points Litlington changed things around by going from a 3-5-2 to a 3-4-3 and pushing men on.

Whilst Hawkins' side created several chances, Bumpstead began to play on the counter attack and they eventually made it 2-0 and then moments later 3-0.

Litlington did pull themselves back into contention with 20 minutes left when a cross from Harris was glanced in by substitute James Weir and although they pushed another man up as they went all-out for a point, their hopes were dashed when Bonfield, who had pulled off a string of brilliant saves, was finally beaten again to make it 4-1.

"The boys are disappointed today we put a lot of effort into that game and the score doesn't reflect that," Hawkins said.

"We were not helped today by the referee who disallowed us a goal and two clear penalties but that's football and we have to get on with it.

"Our defence played well again today but little lapses in concentration have cost us the game and our chances of promotion. It's crucial now that we finish in the top half of the league."

Next up for Litlington is an away trip to Sawston United who are currently top of the league.

Litlington: Bonfield, Hawkins, Boote, Ellis, Wilson, Choudhury, Butler, Cottiss, Warren, Harris, Evans.